Gator TeamChild Juvenile Law Clinic Curriculum

The course combines a client-centered skills approach with in-depth classroom analysis of substantive juvenile law. Materials are updated regularly to familiarize students with current practices, policy and legal issues that affect their clients.

“Much to my surprise, I had multiple clients and hearings. Now that judges and attorneys recognize the quality of work done by the clinic, it appears there will never be a shortage of cases.”
-Matthew Slingbaum

Certified legal interns meet and work with judges, lawyers, caseworkers, mediators, guardian ad litem, psychiatrists and psychologist, physicians and service providers involved in helping children. Interns become skilled at handling complex cases and managing cross-over cases, which are overseen by unified family court.

Each student will represent 3 to 4 children during the semester. Students will work in two-person teams on cases that may involve delinquency, dependency, school disciplinary proceedings, guardianship, emancipation and a variety of other matters. Teams may also include student social workers, and students from the school of psychology. Most cases will involve court appearances or administrative hearings, mediation, negotiation, fact investigation, and legal research and writing.

Class meets Tuesday and Wednesday for two hours. Tuesday classes typically include advanced instruction on issues in juvenile law, guest speakers, visits to the court house, the detention center and the county jail. A mid-term paper, final paper and periodic reflection papers are required. Students will account for at least 10 office hours a week. Wednesday classes are firm meetings during which all active cases will be discussed. Students will receive six credit hours of pass/fail for successful completion of the clinic. Child, Parent and the State and Juvenile Law is recommended and preference points are given to persons who takes the recommended courses prior to entering the clinic.